National Pet Loss Support Hotlines and Resources
Like our DoveLewis 24-hour message line, there are several other national pet loss support hotlines that are available to support grieving pet owners. Many are connected to universities that have a veterinary program and are answered by veterinary students who have gone through bereavement training.
Remember, first and foremost, the person on the other end of the phone is there to listen to you empathetically. They don’t give advice, but can help with problem solving, guiding callers through conversations to make their own choices and decisions. Often, the simple fact that someone... Read More >
The DoveLewis 24 hour Pet Loss Support Message Line
Since its inception in 1988, the DoveLewis 24- hour message line has provided support for a great many people grieving the loss or anticipated loss of a beloved animal companion.
The message line receives an average of five phone messages per day. People often call grief stricken over the death of a beloved pet. Some people call because they are worried about a friend, relative or surviving pets. Other people call asking for tools to help cope with grief, requesting titles of books and helpful websites. Many people call because they want/need to tell someone about the death of their... Read More >
Lonny, Jingle Bear, and the Season of Magic
My friend, Deb shared this story of holiday magic with me and I was so touched as I often am by the amazing stories of love and loss and hope that I have the honor to hear from people. I asked Deb to share her wonderful story in this blog. In her own words;
Our Golden Retreiver, Lonny, left us on October 19, 2006. Like all parents suffering a loss, we were at turns devasted and hopeful - devastated that we had to continue without Lonny, and hopeful that he would still make his presence known somehow and send us a message. Thanks to Enid and the Pet Loss Support groups at... Read More >
12/30/11 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 352 times.
Service of Remembrance 2011
I hope you can join me as the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program in partnership with Dignified Pet Services for our annual Service of Remembrance. Please join us in celebration of the invisible yet undeniable bond between humans and our beloved companion animals who are no longer here. Together, surrounded by others who understand this bond, we will light candles in memory of those who are no longer here.
The Old Church - 1422 SW 11th Ave., Portland ... Read More >
01/20/12 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 248 times.
Please, Share Your Story
Did you know that sharing your story with others may help with your grieving and healing process? It’s true, I have had the honor of witnessing this phenomenon first hand over the years as the founder of DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program. Storytelling is considered one of the oldest healing arts; it has been used for centuries as a beneficial way for grieving people to cope with loss.
Experiencing the loss of a very close companion animal can disrupt your world and cause you to re-evaluate your priorities and think about mortality. When a significant life event like this... Read More >
02/13/12 | 2 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 496 times.
Creating a Memorial Table or Altar
Consider creating a memorial table, or altar to honor your beloved pet. As your pet had a special place in your heart and life, find a special spot where you can place mementos in his/her memory.
Creating a special place in your home, yard or workplace that acknowledges and honors your pet’s life will bring you comfort— a place where you can go (or be) and remember your lost friend. This is a healing tool to help you express and work through your grief. Designing and displaying your pet in this manner is a concrete reminder that your pet is still present in your heart, even... Read More >
02/24/11 | 3 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 523 times.
The Journey
When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey — a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage.
If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.
Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life’s simple pleasures — jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joy of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears.... Read More >
01/17/11 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 712 times.
Handling the Holidays
For many of us, the easiest and most rewarding thing in life on earth is to love and be loved by our animal companions. And it is the hardest and most excruciating sadness when we must say goodbye. I know from my experience as a grief counselor, that this sadness will not be with you permanently. Trust me when I assure you that you will heal from your grief. You will also grow from it. But, there are a lot of triggers during the holidays that bring your grief to the surface. Remember, the grief you feel is a reflection of the love you shared, it is a normal, necessary and healthy... Read More >
12/28/11 | 4 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 709 times.
Myths I Have Heard
Myth: People who experience intense grief over the loss or anticipated loss of a pet are crazy, weird, or strange.
Reality: Individuals who say this, or believe this, are judgmental; sadly they have never experienced how amazing it is to bond with another creature. Experiencing powerful feelings of distress over the loss of a loved animal companion is a normal and natural response. People who have strong feelings about the loss of a pet have them because they have experienced a deep emotional bond.
Myth: Pet loss is insignificant when compared to the loss of human life. To mourn the... Read More >
09/10/10 | 12 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 3621 times.
Who attends group? Should I come?
The people who attend group are the folks who have been lucky enough to experience a very special bond with their companion animal. They are grief stricken over the loss or anticipated loss of their beloved pet.
The people who attend group are male and female, young, old and every age in between, of every race and sexual orientation.
The people who attend group have had their pets for 20 years, or less than a year. Their pet has been diagnosed with cancer or has been euthanized to end the suffering of terminal old age. Their pet may have been hit by a car or attacked by a coyote. ... Read More >
09/03/10 | 1 Comment | Post a Comment | Viewed 2738 times.
04/06/12 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment | Viewed 117 times.